The
intricate designs of colourful flowers and butterflies on a snowy
white base have been deservedly popular since their introduction in
1972.
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| Portmeirion China |
However
there are numerous other Portmeirion designs which, though not quite
so well-known as Botanic Garden, are collected by people who love
unusual and gorgeous designs. Perhaps the most stunning motifs are
those which decorate the Birds of Britain range of pottery.
The
designer, Susan Williams- Ellis, is the daughter of architect Sir
Clough Williams-Ellis, who masterminded the building of the
Italian-style village of Portmeirion in North Wales.
This
village arose from Sir Clough's desire to demonstrate that
well-chosen architecture could enhance a landscape, and today is a
beautiful place full of weathered pastel-coloured eccentric buildings
nestling against a sheltered hillside, surrounded by exotic flowers
and overlooking a tranquil estuary. In 1966 the village received a
great publicity boost when the cult series, 'The Prisoner' was filmed
there.
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| Portmeirion China |
Susan
first began to design pottery in the 1960s and her original ideas
greatly influenced many other manufacturers, as for instance, the
1963 Totem design which consisted of a raised geometrical abstract
pattern covered with a green, blue or brown transparent flow glaze.
The
glaze emphasised the moulding, and was greatly copied, though no one
else managed to achieve Susan's crisp modelling of the embossed
shapes.
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| Portmeirion China |
Contrary
to popular belief, the china isn't actually manufactured at
Portmeirion but is made at Stoke-on-Trent. It was Susan's close links
with the village that led to her choosing the same name for her
factory and, naturally, the wares are sold at Portmeirion amidst the
glorious surroundings which must have provided her with much
inspiration over the years.
An early innovative idea was
her range of large matt black tankards with chunky handles. These
mugs, which proved very successful, were decorated in gold with
various zodiac signs, and made ideal gifts.
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| Portmeirion China |
In
1978 tableware decorated with Birds of Britain appeared in the shops
and proved an instant success. Based on paintings from a book by
Edward Donovan dated 1794, these enchanting, often quaint,
illustrations boldly fill the centre of a plate, side of a cup or
centre of a bowl - a complete contrast to the more usual dainty bird
designs found on conventional pieces from other potteries.
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| Portmeirion China |
The Birds of Britain design can
be found on numerous pieces, including several shapes of cups and
mugs, plates, platters, jugs, bowls, dishes, tureens and condiments
sets and is freezer, microwave and dishwasher proof.
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| Portmeirion China |
In
addition, it decorates oven-to-table ware and this can be recognised
by an unglazed, ribbed base which feels slightly
rough. Beautiful bird decorated vases are available too, and in the
mid 1990s a selection of melamine ware, including trays and dishes,
was introduced.
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| Portmeirion China |
Birds
featured include Wood Duck, Waxwing, Nightingale,
Swan,
Little Egret, Redstart, Hoopoe, Chaffinch, Linnet, Goldfinch, Osprey,
Barn Owl, Kingfisher, Nuthatch, and Cirl Bunting.
In all, over 40 species are
depicted in their natural habitats. Often, there is a delicate border
of oak leaves and acorns, a sage green rim, or a secondary pattern
of birds on a ferny branch. Prices range from around £6 for a sugar
bowl to £160 for a magnificent lidded soup tureen, and every piece
is a work of art. The only problem has been with the owl, as in some
countries owls are considered unlucky, and so there the motif isn't
used.
A
companion to Birds of Britain is the Complete Angler pattern, which
Susan designed as an ideal range of giftware for men. This
magnificent range of plates, mug
s and cookware features fish such as salmon, trout, pike and perch, based on paintings by A F Lydon first published in 1879.
s and cookware features fish such as salmon, trout, pike and perch, based on paintings by A F Lydon first published in 1879.
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| Portmeirion China |
On the reverse of many of the
items is a green cartouche decorated with classic-style dolphins and
containing the English and Latin names of the fish.
The marks on the bases of the
Complete Angler and Birds of Britain pieces are wonderfully
informative, bearing not only the Portmeirion logo but also the date
the pattern was first introduced, plus details of the artist and book
which inspired the designs. Many other Portmeirion patterns have
been produced over the years and all have their devotees.
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| Portmeirion China |
The
distinctive Birds of Britain design, though, is outstanding, and is
gaining popularity particularly in the States. No doubt in years to
come it will be highly sought after by collectors of lovely things.
In the meantime enjoy
using this distinctive Portmeirion design which brings so much beauty
to the most humdrum of meals.
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